frame size + height

[Eden]

5'0" 28.5/29ish bike inseam (so yeah - short torso)

44cm frame, 49.5 effective top tube, 80mm stem

[ehirsch83]

Almost 5'6 and I ride a 49cm bike, just about the exact same measurements as you.
I was originally put on a 50 or 51, don't remember-whatever a small giant is. And I rode 2 of them for a little over a year, I constantly had shoulder issues because I was to stretched out. The next bike I went to(the litespeed) I went down to the 49 and ever since then there is no turning back! I have continously been told by shops, when they look at me, that there is no way I would fit on a 49, but once they see me on it they say it is perfect.(i just have a big drop between saddle and handle bars, which I prefer- but I'm not stretched out).

Sounds like we are similar:-)

[Harley]

My Bianchi C2C is a 50cm w/ 52.5 top tube c-c, stem 80mm/10deg rise
I am 5'7" with a 32" inseam... short body, long legs.
I have a friend who is my same height and rides a 54cm Trek. (opposite of me long body, short legs) Treks usually have long top tubes. I can hardly reach the bars on her bike, but the stand over is fine.

It's all about comfort. Most women on average have long thigh bones, shorter frames give you more leverage... or so I've been told.

[mso]

I'm on a "S" sloper with a 51ST, 52.5TT with a 110stem.

I'm 5'6" with a 32 inseam.